Permeationand its effects.

Gases, vapours and liquids can gradually diffuse through the walls of a plastic container. If there is a difference between the partial pressure inside the container and the ambient pressure outside, substances can permeate towards the lower pressure. This can result in an unnoticed loss of quality and volume of the filling product.

Additionally, there is the danger of an explosive atmosphere forming immediately around the container and the container contracting due to severe product loss. This can result in containers that are no longer suitable for transport and present a significant safety hazard.

ABSORPTION

The permeate is absorbedby the surface of the packaging

DIFFUSION

Penetration of pores andmolecular spaces

DESORPTION

Adsorbate collects on the boundarysurface and evaporates as gas

Legal provisions

Due to the potential effect of permeation during the transport of hazardous goods, legislators have defined very precise regulations for the containers that may be used.

Chapter 4.1.1.2 of the existing Transport Act (see the international IMDG Code and regional rules and standards, such as ADR) stipulates:Those parts of the packaging, including bulk packaging (IBC) and large packaging units, which come into immediate contact with dangerous goods:

(c) must prevent the permeation of dangerous goods which could present a hazard under normal transport conditions.

If necessary these containers must be equipped with a suitable inner layer or treatment.

Stop Permeation!

Thanks to our innovative 6-layer technology for inner bottles, we are the first producer worldwide to offer IBCs with an integrated EVOH permeation barrier. Protect the quality of your filling products and prevent safety risks and environmental contamination. Enjoy greater flexibility and more economic efficiency in your supply chain.

Benefit from the many advantages of an EVOH permeation barrier:

Longer product shelf life

Food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic raw materials have a longer shelf life as they are optimally protected against oxidation, vitamin deterioration and microbe infestation. Products that contain solvents, such as resins, adhesives and paints, stay at ideal processing quality for longer.

Securing product quality

An efficient barrier against the permeation of oxygen, nitrogen and other gases, as well as aromas and fragrances prevents the unnoticed loss of quality and unwanted changes to the characteristics of the packaged filling products.

Protection against the risk of explosion

IBCs with an EVOH permeation barrier comply with the legal specifications for permeating hazardous goods and prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres in standard storage and transport situations.

Prevent product losses

Nonpolar solvents or aromatic hydrocarbons can no longer permeate the packaging, thanks to the barrier. The original composition of the product mixture and the overall mass practically remain unchanged.

Better environmental protection

Humans and the environment are protected against the permeation and diffusion of contaminants. In the packaging material the build-up of the filling product is reduced by up to 60%, thus increasing the recycling rate of the plastics used.

New application options

The EVOH permeation barrier integrated in the ECOBULK allows the containers to be used in applications that were previously reserved exclusively for steel containers.

SMP Permeation Barrier

Instead of an integrated EVOH barrier, Intermediate Bulk Containers and PE drums from the SCHÜTZ range can also be protected against permeation in an additional process step. SMP treated plastic containers ensure complete safety during transport, economical storage and high resistance to solvents. In return, the environment benefits from the extremely low rates of permeation. The superior mechanical properties of HDPE, including tensile strength, resistance to expansion, hardness, resistance to cracking as well as thermal properties and low-temperature behaviours are not affected by the SMP treatment.

Brochure SMP permeation barrier

The SMP process seals PE drums and prevents the contents from permeating out.